New Tertiary Advisory Group Chair Welcomed

The New Zealand University Students Association (NZUSA) is
welcoming today's announcement that Dr Norman Kingsbury has
been appointed as the chair of the government's Tertiary
Education Advisory Committee (TEAC).

"Dr Kingsbury has
our full support in his new role," said Sam Huggard, Co
President of NZUSA.

"He was the clear choice for the
government, as he been involved in an extensive range of
areas within tertiary education. Among other positions he
has been the Chair of both the Academic Audit Unit and the
Polytechnic Programmes Committee, chaired a number of
reviews of issues within the sector, and has been involved
with international student associations, as well as local
and national ones in New Zealand. He has also forged strong
links with Maori educators," said Sam Huggard.

"His task
is a huge one. The tertiary sector in New Zealand is in a
weak position at present, with staff morale low due to
uncertainty and endless restructuring, student costs rising
and a culture of managerialism that puts balance sheets
ahead of quality."

"The Associate Education (Tertiary)
Minister has said that the competitive model in tertiary
education is dead, but it will take time to rectify a
pro-market culture that has developed over the last decade,"
said Sam Huggard. "TEAC is a good way to begin this process,
and to rebuild focus in the sector."

"Dr Kingsbury is a
man of intelligence and integrity, and will fulfil the role
aptly. We wish him all the best, and look forward to working
with him," concluded Sam
Huggard.

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